Dan DavisThe Daily Jeffersonian Published: June 8, 2014 8:00 AM

"Our new PAPI lights -- precision approach path indicator lights -- are part of a $297,000 grant from the (Federal Aviation Administration) to replace the approach lights on Runway 4 as well as on Runway 22, as well as replacing the REIL -- runway end identifier lights -- on Runway 4," Airport Manager Terry Losego explained.

PAPI lights are a visual aid assisting a pilot to maintain the correct approach in the vertical plane to an airport runway. They are generally located beside the runway a few hundred yards beyond the runway edge.

Synchronized flashing REIL lights installed at many airports help pilots quickly and easily identify the boundaries of the runway, particularly during periods of low light or reduced visibility. They can be either omnidirectional or unidirectional.

The system will prove advantageous to the airport.

[Article continues below]

"It will eventually all be computer controlled," Losego said. "There will be a new electrical unit installed to control all lighting at the airport, which will hopefully allow our lighting system to be a little more economical and more efficient, in the fact that we'll be bale to turn the lights on and perhaps leave them off at night and turn them on during the daylight hours."

Replacement of the former landing lights system was mandated by federal regulations.

"It's a big improvement for the airport," Losego said. "The old lights that were used for approach into the airport were called VASIs. The VASIs were installed in 1998. Believe it or not, they are now obsolete, you can't buy parts for them. The FAA won't allow you to put those in anymore.

"The lights will be a huge improvement at the airport, especially on days when the weather is IFR (instrument flight rules), below visual."

The grant for the equipment carried a local match of $29,000.

Installation of the new equipment is one step in the path leading to the extension of the runway, providing, among other things, Congress approves funding for the FAA.